Our partnership with Rose Academies Uganda has made huge strides toward educating, empowering, and enabling marginalised women, girls, and their communities through education, mentorship programmes, and access to information, all as part of the Soroptimist International (SI) President’s Appeal 2021 – 2023, ‘Opening Doors to a Bright Future’.
Owing to the tangible benefits that this project has achieved, by way of providing the opportunity for 30 out-of-school girls and young women, aged between 11 and 22 years, to learn and feel safe while at school, this transformative programme will now continue under the auspices of the SI Foundation. As such, our ongoing partnership with Rose Academies Uganda will continue to positively impact the lives of even more women and girls as we look to the future.
The coming weeks will see further updates and announcements regarding the continuation of SI’s international projects and programmes under the SI Foundation – this article offers a brief re-cap on the project’s last update from 2023 and the momentum of progress Rose Academies will be bringing into the coming months.
Social Skills and Health Education Training
After the girls of Rose Academies completed their National Primary Leaving Examinations, the Rose Academies project team sought to continue providing education and empowerment opportunities for 30 sponsored girls during the school break at the close of 2023. In order to achieve this, a training plan was put together, focusing on social skills and health education, with the goal of equipping these young individuals with the tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges and make informed decisions.
The two-day training, held from December 1st to 2nd, 2023, at the Rose Academies Soroti office, served as a transformative experience for the attendees. Led by a team of dedicated facilitators including the Rose Programs Director, Nutrition Director, Soroti Field Coordinator, and Girls Sponsorship Coordinator, the sessions were designed to foster high-order thinking skills, positive self-concept, and self-control.
Session one of the training focused on experiential sharing, self-awareness, goal setting, and building interpersonal relationships. In session two, the girls delved into understanding their rights and responsibilities, along with planning for the holiday period. The impact of these sessions was profound, as evidenced by the heartfelt expressions of gratitude and emotion from the participants.
During the training, the girls candidly shared their experiences of attending boarding school for the first time. While some struggled with health challenges and homesickness, others revelled in the opportunity to pursue education despite obstacles. The support received during their Primary Leaving Exams bolstered their confidence, paving the way for hopeful aspirations for the future.
Moving Forward
Looking ahead, Rose Academies is committed to providing continued support and guidance to the girls during the vacation period. Programs focusing on nutrition, personal hygiene, disease prevention, reproductive health, and early pregnancy and childcare have been outlined to ensure the girls remain focused and safe. A comprehensive work plan, to be implemented by staff in Soroti and monitored by community volunteers, underscores the organisation’s dedication to the holistic development of these young women.
The aspirations voiced by the girls reflect a determination to break the cycle of poverty through education and empowerment. While some face uncertainty regarding further education due to familial circumstances, their resilience and resolve shine through. Whether pursuing careers in teaching, nursing, entrepreneurship, or vocational training, these girls embody the spirit of possibility and resilience.
As Rose Academies continues its mission to uplift and empower young girls, the impact of initiatives like the social skills and health education training serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and support. Through collaboration and dedication, we can build a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil her potential.